U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Global Entry Program has officially expanded to the other side of the world. After much anticipation, Global Entry (GE) kiosks were put into production at the Preclearance locations in Shannon and Dublin, Ireland - the first and only locations outside of the United States and Canada. Designed to segregate prescreened, low-risk trusted travelers from other passengers, the kiosks at both sites are oriented to speed the process for GE members, who bypass the traditional passenger inspections queues.
Although Ireland is not currently a reciprocal GE partner, the program was able to expand to these airports due to CBP's Preclearance operations, which function as U.S. ports of entry. After processing at the GE kiosk, the passenger (or crewmember) presents the printed receipt to a designated primary booth. There, he or she is greeted by a CBP officer who will confirm the identity of the individual and facilitate identification and clearance of any checked luggage via the baggage bypass system. Absent a referral at that point, GE travelers are cleared to proceed to the boarding gates and on their way to the United States.
Each location has two brand new kiosks. Shannon went into production on July 18, and was utilized by 11 GE members the first day. Port Director John Glaittli and Supervisory CBP Officer Ramon Gonzalez introduced the new processing option to travelers, including three members who were using the kiosks for the first time since enrolling in the program.
Dublin's program went live on July 20, with 30 GE members processed through the kiosks by close of business. Area Port Director Matt Davies presented a CBP business card holder to the first GE passenger to memorialize the event.
Passenger feedback has been extremely positive at both locations. Travelers have remarked that they not only get to experience the benefits of preclearing through Dublin and Shannon, but are also now able to enjoy the added privileges of their Global Entry membership - "it is the best of two worlds combined!"
Global Entry and NEXUS kiosks are also available at each of the eight Canadian airport Preclearance locations. There is no enrollment center in Ireland - meaning eligible travelers must have enrolled before traveling to Ireland to take advantage of the program.